Scoring plenty for Bangladesh is Kingsley’s ‘next dream’
After having earned Bangladeshi citizenship in 2021, Eleta Kingsley became the country's first naturalised footballer to represent Bangladesh national football team as the Nigerian-born striker featured against Seychelles in a FIFA friendly match on Saturday. The morning after, Eleta spoke to The Daily Star's Anisur Rahman before training in Sylhet. Here are the excerpts of the conversation:
The Daily Star (DS): Did you have a sound sleep after your dream of donning the red and green jersey came true?
Eleta Kingsley (EK): I couldn't sleep because I had a lot to reflect on. Normally when you have beautiful moments, the next night is very difficult to sleep.
DS: How do you feel now after making the long-awaited debut?
EK: At last, I've done it! I'm very excited for this chance I got in the national team. The dream would have been completed had I taken my first [scoring] chance.
DS: Did you even dream of playing for the Nigeria national team when you started playing football?
EK: Yes, I dreamt. As a Nigerian, I had a chance to get in the national team but selection saw me out. I was upset and decided to go outside and play football.
DS: One of your dreams has been fulfilled, what's next?
EK: Scoring as many goals as possible for the national team is my next dream because [eventually] I want to sit back and count how many goals I scored for my country as a striker.
DS: Did you ever think about becoming a citizen of Bangladesh and to play for the national team after marrying a Bangladeshi?
EK: I never thought I was going to be Bangladeshi before 2015 even though I got married in 2012. However, when I won the Sheikh Kamal International Club Championship [for Chittagong Abahani], I took a flag of Bangladesh and ran around the ground to thank our fans. From that moment, my wife [Liza Jafar] was telling me how I wished it was real and that was how I started the journey.
DS: Were you nervous after being on the ground in debut and finding the first chance to score?
EK: Yesterday I was just unlucky because the ball bounced off the ground. I blame the pitch which has not been up to mark for international standard. I was a bit nervous because putting on a jersey for the first time and scoring a goal at the same time was too much load. But, if you ask me just to play, I score.
DS: How was the reaction from your family members, especially your mother in Nigeria?
EK: My wife and daughter have come here to watch my first match and fulfilled my dream. I spoke to my mom and brothers yesterday [Saturday] and everyone is happy.
DS: How challenging is it to play football at the age of 33?
EK: Yes, but in my case, I have to rely on experience. As long as the coach tells me I'm supporting the team on and off the ball, I think that's enough for me.
DS: Can Bangladesh expect something from the upcoming SAFF Championship with your inclusion after having been eliminated from the group stage in last five editions?
EK: In the first meeting I had with the coach, we talked a lot about SAFF Championship. We don't want just to play SAFF this time and qualify for the group, we want to become champions.